Stadium Seat Engaging Device

ABSTRACT

A device for engaging a folding stadium seat and restricting upward movement of the seat base is presented herein. In particular, the device includes an attachment member removably attachable to a seat frame member and at least one seat engaging extension disposed outwardly from the attachment member. The seat engaging extension member is selectively disposed into an engaging relation with the seat base of the folding stadium seat and is configured to hold the seat base in a down or horizontal position. The attachment member includes a base panel and at least two side wall panels disposed outwardly there from in order to define a receiving area for disposition at least partially around the seat frame member of the folding stadium seat.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Patent Application No. 62/062,458

Filing Date: Oct. 10, 2014

Relationship: Provisional application was for the same invention

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was not made by an agency of the United States Governmentnor under a contract with an agency of the United States Government.

PARTIES TO JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a device for holding the seat baseportion of a stadium seat or chair in a downward or substantiallyhorizontal orientation. The device is attachable to a seat frame membergenerally disposed adjacent to the seat base and extends outward andover the seat base to prevent or restrict the seat base fromautomatically folding upward, for example when a person stands up orleaves the seat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many stadiums, arenas, convention centers, theaters and similar venuesare equipped with seats that are constructed to automatically pivot ormove upward in the absence of a counter downward force exertedthereupon, for example, via a person's weight upon the seat base or uponthe placement of an object on the seat base. The seat base is in asubstantially vertical (closed or default position) when the seat isunoccupied. The seat base is moved downward to a substantiallyhorizontal position (open or sitting position) when a person desires tooccupy the seat. When the user stands up, the seat base willautomatically flip or pivot upward to the closed position. Uponreturning to his or her seat, the user is required to manually push theseat base down against the biasing force and into the open or sittingposition that will allow the user to sit back down.

In many cases, this constant readjusting of the seat base may bebothersome, especially at sporting events or other events that mayencourage periodic standing during the course of the event. In othercases, the readjusting of the seat base may be difficult to accomplishfor example, in the event the person's hands are full (e.g., with food,concession items, etc.), or in the event the person is physicallyimpaired.

There is thus a need in the art for a device that can be used torestrict the automatic positioning of the seat base from the open orsitting position to the closed or default orientation. The proposeddevice would advantageously be non-permanently attached (removable) to asupport frame, armrest or other proximate structure and extend over aportion of the seat base in order to engage the seat base and prevent itfrom automatically pivoting upward. The device may be selectivelypositioned and attached to the support frame and selectively removed,for example, when the person or user leaves the event.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Many stadiums, arenas, convention centers, theaters and similar venuesare equipped with seats that are configured for the seat base to be in asubstantially vertical orientation (closed or default position) when notoccupied. When a user desires to occupy his or her seat, the user mustmove the seat base from its closed position to a substantially verticalorientation (open or sitting position) so that the user may sit on theseat base. The seat base is structured to automatically return to theclosed position when the occupier removes their weight from the seat.The present invention is directed to a device which will prevent orinhibit the seat base from moving from its open or sitting position tothe closed or default position when the user is no longer occupying theseat.

The device is configured to securely, yet non-permanently, attach to asupport frame, armrest, or other like member and extend outward over theseat base and into an engaging relation with the upper surface of theseat base. In this manner, the device of the various embodimentsdescribed herein is configured to maintain the seat base in the open orsitting position, even in the absence of additional downward force uponthe seat base, for example, via a person's weight. In this regard, withthe device installed while the seat base is disposed in the open orsitting position, when a person stands up and/or leaves the seat, thedevice will restrict the automatic movement of the seat base into anupright position and, instead, maintain the seat base in the sittingposition.

The device includes an attachment member which is structured to engage aseat frame member in a secure manner. For instance, the seat framemember of many stadium seats, arenas, etc. are constructed with, orotherwise include, at least one substantially vertically disposed “I”beam, or a beam with the cross sectional shape substantially similar invisual appearance to the letter “I.” The “I” beam or seat frame membermay include two enlarged ends connected by a center connection member,forming the “I” shape. It should also be noted that in many stadium orarena seats, the entire circumference of the support beam or “I” framemay be exposed, meaning that a person or user may be able to reach underthe armrest and through to the adjacent seat. This allows the device ofthe present invention to attach or connect to the seat frame or “I” beamin a number of different manners, for example, along the front of theframe, side of the frame, back of the frame, or a combination thereof.

Particularly, some of the embodiments of the present invention mayengage or connect to one of the enlarged ends of the “I” beam (e.g.,either the front or rear enlarged end), whereas other embodiments mayconnect or engage both of the enlarged ends, spanning across the centerconnection member. It should be noted, however, that the variousembodiments of the present invention may connect to or engage with seatframe members having other configurations, cross sections or shapes, andthus the present invention is not limited to use with an “I” beam seatframe. Furthermore, a seat engaging extension is disposed in an outwardmanner from the attachment member and is positioned above the uppersurface of the seat base adjacent the seat frame member. The engagingrelation between the attachment member and the seat frame will maintainthe device in the intended or operative position, thereby restrictingupward movement of the seat base. These and other objects, features andadvantages of the present invention will become more apparent when thedrawings as well as the detailed description are taken intoconsideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of two stadium seat assemblies (100), oneof which has the present device (10) attached to the seat frame (120).One seat is shown with the seat base (110) in the closed or defaultposition (110 a) while the other is shown with the seat base (110) inthe open or sitting position (110 b).

FIG. 2 is a top-front perspective view of at least one embodiment of thedevice disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent invention. The device includes an attachment member (20) whichattaches to the seat frame (120) and at least one seat engagingextension member (30).

FIG. 3 is a top front perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 2with additional labeling of components.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is front plan view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2through 4.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the device (10) attached to a seatframe (120) as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the devicedisclosed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is front perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.8 and 9 attached to a seat frame (120)

FIG. 11 is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 through10 attached to a seat frame (120).

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of yet another embodiment of thedevice (10) disclosed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is front perspective view of the embodiment (10) illustrated inFIGS. 12 and 13 attached to a seat frame (120).

FIG. 15 is a top view of the embodiment (10) illustrated in FIGS. 12through 14 attached to a seat frame (120).

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of yet another embodiment of thedevice (10) disclosed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is front perspective view of the embodiment (10) illustrated inFIGS. 16 and 17 attached to a seat frame (120).

FIG. 19 is a top view of the embodiment (10) illustrated in FIGS. 16through 18 attached to a seat frame (120).

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the device(10) described in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a front view of the embodiment (10) illustrated in FIG. 20with exemplar dimensions shown.

FIG. 22 is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21with exemplar dimensions shown.

FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of yet another embodiment of thedevice (10) described in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a front view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23 withexemplar dimensions shown.

FIG. 25 is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24with exemplar dimensions shown.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings provided herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a device (10) for maintaining afolding seat typically used in a stadium, arena or like venue in theopen or sitting position, even in the absence of additional weight orforce exerted upon the seat base, for example, by a person. Many stadiumseat assemblies (100) include a seat base portion (110) that is hingedor otherwise configured to automatically fold or pivot in a generallyupward direction when the seat is not in use. FIG. 1 illustrates twoexemplary folding stadium seat assemblies (100), one with the seat base(110) in a substantially vertical orientation (the closed or defaultposition (110 a)) and the other seat base (110) in a substantiallyhorizontal orientation (the open or sitting position (110 b)). Thestadium folding seat (100) is generally configured automatically revertfrom the sitting position to the closed default position in the absenceof a greater downward force on the seat base (110), which is typicallyprovided by a person sitting in the seat and providing a downward forceupon the seat base (110). Specifically, when the person leaves the seat,stands up, or otherwise removes his or her weight and downward forceexerted upon the seat base portion (110), the seat base portion (110)will automatically pivot or fold upward from the sitting position (110b) to the closed default position (110 a).

The device (10), as disclosed in accordance with the various embodimentsof the present invention, is structured to secure or attach to the seatframe (120) and continuously hold the seat base portion (110) in theopen or sitting position, even when the seat is unoccupied. It should benoted that the seat frame (120), as used herein, may include one or moreportions of the seat assembly, including but not limited to a beam,post, armrest, one or more supports, etc., generally disposed adjacentto the seat base portion (110) and in some instances, between two seatassemblies (100). The structure, size, shape, and configuration of theseat assemblies (100), and in particular, the seat frame (120), may varyfrom one location to another (e.g., from one stadium to another), andthus, the device (10) of the various embodiments may be configured forattachment to a number of different supports, frame members, etc. ofdifferent shapes, sizes, and locations. The exemplary seat assemblies(100) and frame members (120) shown in FIG. 1 are merely illustrativeand should in no way be deemed limiting to the full spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

In particular, the various embodiments of the device (10) include anattachment member 20 and at least one seat engaging extension member(30) disposed in a generally outward direction from the attachmentmember (20) and into an at least partially engaging relation with anupper surface of an adjacent seat base (110). The attachment member (20)of at least one embodiment is configured to at least partially wraparound a portion of the seat frame member (120) and engage the seatframe member (120). Certain embodiments include a tight, gripping and/orfrictional engagement between the device attachment member (20) and theseat frame member (120) in order maintain the device attachment member(20) in an operative position and prevent, restrict or minimize movementor sliding of the device attachment member (20), particularly when agenerally upward force is exerted upon the device (10) by seat baseportion (110) attempting to move into its closed position.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the attachment member(20) may include a base panel (22), and at least two side wall panels(24, 26) disposed outwardly from the base panel (22). The attachmentmember (20), and in particular, the base panel (22) and the side wallpanels (24, 26) are configured to define a receiving area (25) forplacement at least partially around a portion of the seat frame member(120). The receiving area (25) of may be of square, rectangular orangular configuration in order accommodate seat frame members (120)having a similar square, rectangular or angular configuration orcross-section. The configuration and shapes the receiving area (25) arenot limited to the aforementioned configuration and shapes and otherconfigurations and shapes are contemplated within the scope of thepresent invention, and indeed, other shaped frame members (120) may fitwithin or be engaged by the square, rectangular or angular receivingarea (25). It should also be noted that in certain embodiments, thelength or dimension of the receiving area (25), defined by the length ofthe respective base panel (22) and side wall panels (24, 26) includes anelongated configuration in order to provide a substantial amount ofcontact surface between the interior of the attachment member (20) andthe outer surface of the seat's support frame member (120).

The side wall panels (24, 26) of at least one embodiment includes aplurality of sections or portions (24A, 24B, 24C, v26A, 26B, 26C). Theside wall panels (24, 26) are configured with an inwardly disposedangular bend between the first and second portions (24A, 24B and 26A,26B) toward the receiving area (25). In this manner, the first portions(24A and 26A) extend from the base panel (22)at opposite ends of thebase panel (22) and the second portions (24B and 26B), are at leastpartially angled inward toward the receiving area (25). Thisconfiguration facilitates a tight, engaging relation between theattachment member (20) and the corresponding seat frame member (120) andcan further facilitate a tight, engaging relation with different sizedframe members 120. The inwardly directed angle between first and secondportions (24A, 24B and 26A, 26B) allows the device attachment member(20) to at least partially flex and engage seat frame members (120) ofdifference sizes and dimensions.

The side wall panels (24, 26) of at least one embodiment furtherincludes outer engaging arms or outwardly directed flanges (24C and26C). The flanges (24C, 26C) are disposed in an angular relation to thesecond portions (24B, 26B) and are configured to define an outer opening(27). The opening (27) is sized to accommodate a number of differentsized seat frame members (120) in that the device attachment member (20)flexes to at least partially fit around the seat frame member (120).Thus, the second portions (24B, 26B) may fit around the seat framemember (120) or engage the side of the seat frame member (120),depending on the size, shape and dimensions of the seat frame member(120).

The device attachment member (20) of the various embodiments isstructured to engage or attach to a portion of the seat frame member(120). Depending on the size, shape and dimension of the seat framemember (120), the device attachment member (20) may fit around the seatframe member (120) such that the second portions (24B, 26B) of thedevice side wall portions at least partially contact the backside of theseat frame member (120) while the front side of the seat frame member(120) at least partially contacts the interior surface of the base panel(22). Other applications, however, may include engaging the sidesurfaces of the seat frame member (120) via the second portions (24B,26B) of the side wall panels or via the end flanges (24C, 26C).

The present invention includes at least one seat engaging extensionmember (30) disposed outwardly from the device attachment member (20)and into engagement with the seat base (110). In the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 2 through 5, the seat engaging extension (30)extends from the outer end of one of the side wall portions (24) of theattachment member (30). In the illustrated embodiment, the seat engagingextension (30) is substantially parallel to the base portion (22) of theattachment member (20), although it does not necessarily need to be.Further, the seat engaging extension (30) may extend linearly from thebase portion (22) of the device attachment member (20), or from otherportions of the device attachment member (20) or the device (10).

The device's seat engaging extension member (30) is structured tocontact the upper surface of the seat base (110) and hold the seat base(110) in the generally downward or substantially horizontal orientation(open or sitting position) while the device's attachment member (20) issecured or attached to the seat frame (120). In certain embodiments, thedevice's seat engaging extension member (30) includes a generally flator planar configuration with a bottom or lower surface (32) which isstructured to at least partially engage or contact the seat base (110).For example, depending on how close the seat base (110) is relative tothe seat's frame member (120), the engaging surface (32) maysubstantially contact the seat base (110) or the outer peripheral end(34) may only contact the seat base (110).

Further structural features of the device's seat engaging extension (30)of at least one embodiment include an outer reinforced end portion (35).The outer reinforced end portion (35) comprises a bulbous or enlargedconfiguration for contact with the seat base (110) and to providereinforcement to sufficiently facilitate holding the seat base (110) inthe open or sitting position. The reinforced end (35) further providesan enlarged bottom surface (36) for increasing the contacting surfacearea between the device's seat engaging extension (30) and the seat base(110).

Moreover, as illustrated, the length of the seat engaging extension (30)of at least one embodiment may extend the entire length of theattachment member (20), which as described above, may include anelongated length.

Another variations of the present invention include one or more displaypanels (40) disposed on the device's attachment member (20) and/or theseat engaging extension (30). The display panels (40) may be used todisplay one or more logos, trademarks, graphics, text, phone numbers,designs, artwork, etc., and which may be embedded as part of a mold,etched on the display panel, applied via ink, sticker(s), adhesives,etc.

FIGS. 4 and 5, which respectively show a bottom view and a front planview of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, it is noted thatthe width W1 of at least one exemplary implementation of the device (10)may be approximately four to five inches. Furthermore, the depth D1 ofthe device (10) may be in the range of approximately two and half tothree inches. The length L1 of the device (10), as shown in FIG. 5,which includes an approximate length of the attachment member (20) andthe seat engaging extension (30), as described herein, may be in therange of approximately three inches. The opening (27) of the receivingarea (25) may include a dimension O1 in the range of approximately oneto one and a quarter inches. It should be noted that these exemplarydimensions are provided as being illustrative in nature only, and thevarious embodiments of the present invention may be constructed withdifferent dimensions.

Many seat assemblies in stadiums, arenas, etc. include a seat frame(120) constructed out of or otherwise including at least one “I” beamdefined as a support member or frame member comprising a cross-sectionalshape substantially in the form of the upper case letter “I,” asillustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, for example. The seat frame (120) mayinclude beams or supports of different shapes, cross-sections, sizes andconfigurations, and the various embodiments described herein should notbe deemed limited to use on “I” beams.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the seat frame (120) or “I” beam may includeone or more enlarged ends (122) connected to a smaller inner support(126), forming the substantially “I” shaped configuration. In theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the attachment member (20) ofthe device (10) may connect to one of the enlarged ends (122) of theseat frame (120) by engaging at least partially around the correspondingenlarged end (122). In this manner, the receiving portion of theattachment member (20) may be configured to receive the enlarged end(122), of the “I” beam or other seat frame (120). Connection of thedevice (10) may include positioning one side wall or arm (26) around oneside of the enlarged end (122), of the seat frame (120) and rotating theother arm (24) around the other side of the enlarged end (122) until theattachment member (20) snaps around the seat frame (120) and secures inplace.

In certain embodiments, the outer ends of one or more of the side walls(24 and 26) may, but need not necessarily, engage or contact the innerconnection or support portion (126) of the seat frame (120) or “I” beamfor establishing or facilitating a secure, yet removable, connectiontherewith. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, a portion of the seat frame(120) and/or one of the enlarged ends (122) of the “I” beam may bewedged within the receiving portion of the attachment member (20),depending on the particular size, shape and dimension of the seat frame(120) portion and the attachment member (20).

It should also be noted that the base panel (22) of the deviceattachment member (20) may include a slight curvature from one side wall(24) to the other side wall (26). This curvature will extend across theend of the seat frame (120) and facilitate a secure attachment thereto.In order to remove the device (10) from the seat frame (120), the usermay grab one end of the attachment member (20) or seat engagingextension (30) and rotate the device (10) off of the seat frame.

FIGS. 8 through 11 illustrate another embodiment of the device (10) asdisclosed in accordance with the present invention. Particularly, theside wall or arms (24, 26) of the attachment member (20) are structuredto secure at least partially around a portion of the seat frame member(120), as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In this regard, the side wall orarms (24, 26) may include a partially curved configuration in order tofacilitate a partial wrapping around the seat frame member (120). Basepanel (22), of the various embodiments, may also include a partial curveextending from one side wall (24) to the other (26) in order tofacilitate a secure connection with the seat frame (120). Oftentimes,the seat frame (120) may also be constructed with a slight bend or curvefrom one side to the other, which is accommodated by the slight curve ofdevice base panel (22).

The device's attachment member (20) secures at least partially aroundone of the enlarged ends (122) of the “I” beam or other portion of theseat frame (120) in order to secure the attachment member (20) thereto.The user may attach one arm (24 or 26) around the seat frame (120)portion first, then snap the other arm into place until the device (10)is secured to the seat frame (120) portion and the device's extensionmember (30) is positioned in an overlying relation to the seat base(110). In this embodiment, the outer ends of the side walls (24, 26) maynot reach or engage the inner support (126), but rather, secures aroundthe end of the support frame (122), as shown in FIG. 11.

FIGS. 12 through 15 illustrate another embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, the device's attachment member (20) maybe structured to at least partially engage or secure around asubstantial portion of the seat frame (120). Specifically, in the “I”frame example, illustrated, the device's attachment member (20) may besecured at least partially around or to both of the enlarged ends (122)of the seat frame (120). It should be noted, however, that theattachment member (20) may secure or connect to a frame having a moresolid or rectangular, square or circular shape. For instance, the “C”shape configuration of the attachment member (20) may partially wraparound or otherwise cover three or more sides of the seat frame (120).

FIGS. 16 through 19 illustrate another embodiment of the device (10) ofthe present invention, without additional gripping members. Forinstance, the device (10) as shown in FIGS. 17 through 19 is structuredto wrap substantially around a portion of the seat frame (120).

FIGS. 20 through 22 illustrate another embodiment of the device (10) ofthe present invention. In this embodiment, the seat engagement extension(30) extends linearly from the base panel (22) of the device'sattachment member (20). Display panels (4) may be disposed on thedevice's attachment member (20) and/or the device's seat engagingextension (30), as illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are provided to illustrate exemplary dimensions,although others may be contemplated within the full spirit and scope ofthe present invention. For instance, the width W2 of at least oneembodiment of the device (10), extending from the outer end (34) of theseat engaging extension (30) to the furthest opposite end, asillustrated, may be in the range of approximately 3 to 3.5 inches.Further, the seat engaging extension (30) of at least one embodiment mayinclude a width W2A in the range of approximately 1.5 to 2.25 inches,whereas the base panel (22) of the attachment member may include a widthW2B in the range of approximately 0.75 to 1 inch. The length L2 of thedevice (10), measured from a top edge to a bottom edge, may be in therange of approximately 1.5 inches. Further, the depth D2 may be in therange of 1 to 1.25 inches. The thickness T of the material used toconstruct the device may be in the range of approximately 3 millimeters,although other thicknesses, including greater thicknesses may beimplemented in order to provide greater strength and durability, asdesired. The receiving area (25) of the attachment member (20) mayinclude a depth R1 measured from the interior surface of the base panel(22) to the end of the second portion (24B, 26B) of the side walls (24,26) in the range of approximately 0.3 inches to 0.5 inch. The opening(27) into the receiving area (25) of the attachment member (20) mayinclude a first width O2 measured between the innermost inside surfacesof the flanges (24C, 26C) of approximately 0.5 to 0.6 inches, and asecond width O3, measured between the outermost end tips of the flanges(24C, 26C) of approximately 0.65 and 0.75 inches. These exemplarydimensions are provided as being illustrative in nature only, and thevarious embodiments of the present invention may be constructed withdifferent dimensions and are not limited to the dimensions providedabove.

FIGS. 23 through 25 demonstrate another embodiment with differingdimensions from the above. In FIGS. 24 and 25, the width W3 of at leastone embodiment of the device (10), extending from the outer end (34) ofthe seat engaging extension (30) to the furthest opposite end may be inthe range of approximately 3.75 inches to 4 inches. The seat engagingextension (30) of at least one embodiment may include a width W3A in therange of approximately 2 to 2.25 inches, whereas the base panel (22) ofthe attachment member (20) may include a width W3B in the range ofapproximately 1.25 inches to 1.5 inches. In this manner, the base panel(22) of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 23 through 25 is wider than thebase panel (22) of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 20 through 22.

As seen in FIG. 24, the length L3 of at least one embodiment of thedevice (10), measured from a top edge to a bottom edge, may be in therange of approximately 1.5 inches. In addition, the depth D3 (FIG. 25)may be in the range of approximately 1 inch. The thickness T (FIG. 25)of the material used to construct the device (10) may be in the range ofapproximately 3 millimeters, although other thicknesses, includinggreater thicknesses may be implemented in order to provide greaterstrength and durability, as desired. The receiving area (25) of theattachment member (20) may include a depth R2, measured from theinterior surface of the base panel (22) to the end of the second portion(24B, 26B) of the side walls (24, 26), in the range of approximately0.25 inches to 0.5 inches. The opening (27) into the receiving area (25)of the attachment member (20) may include a first width O4 measuredbetween the innermost inside surfaces of the flanges (24C, 26C), in therange of approximately 1.1 inches, and a second width O5, measuredbetween the outermost end tips of the flanges (24C, 26C) in the range ofapproximately 1.2 inches. These exemplary dimensions are merely providedas being illustrative in nature only, and thus, it should be apparentthat the various embodiments of the present invention may be constructedwith different dimensions than those provided herein and still fallwithin the full spirit and scope of the present invention.

The device (10) may be constructed of various organic and inorganicpolymers that comprise a material that is partially rigid and yetsomewhat flexible. An example material of construction ispolyvinylchloride (PVC) plastic. It should be noted that material ofconstruction of the invention is not limited to PVC.

A potential patent classification for this invention is Class 297,Chairs and Seats; Sub-Class 463.2, Miscellaneous.

The present invention described above, in particular paragraphs 40through 56 and illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7 is visualized as thepreferred embodiment of the invention. Other embodiments of theinvention are described in paragraphs 57 through 65 and illustrated byFIGS. 8 through 25. As seen by the descriptions above and the variousillustration, this invention may be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.It will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in formsand details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present application. It is therefore intended that the presentinvention not be limited to the exact forms and details described andillustrated herein, but falls within the scope of the appended claims.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or”includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associatedlisted items.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the specification andrelevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overlyformal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions orconstructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”,“attached” to, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting”, etc.,another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to,coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements mayalso be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being,for example, “directly on”, “directly attached” to, “directly connected”to, “directly coupled” with or “directly contacting” another element,there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciatedby those of skill in the art that references to a stricture or featurethat is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions thatoverlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An insertable apparatus for modifying thedifficulty level of a cornhole game, where said apparatus is comprisedof a thin circular disk which has an outer diameter larger than thestandard game board aperture and an inner diameter smaller than thestandard game board aperture and said circular disk is affixed to a ringwhich has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the standard gameboard target aperture and an inner diameter sufficiently large to allowfree passage of the game bag and where the apparatus is inserted intothe game board aperture from the side of the game board facing theplayers.
 1. A device for engaging a folding stadium seat, the stadiumseat comprising a folding seat base and at least one adjacent seat framemember, said device comprising: an attachment member removablyattachable to the seat frame member of the folding stadium seat, saidattachment member comprising a base panel and at least two side wallpanels disposed outwardly from opposite ends of said base panel, said atleast two side wall panels and said base panel being configured todefine a receiving area for disposition at least partially around theseat frame member of the folding stadium seat, at least one seatengaging extension disposed outwardly from said attachment member andinto a selective engagement with the seat base of the folding stadiumseat, said at least one engaging extension configured to hold the seatbase in a down position.
 2. The device as recited in claim 1 whereinsaid seat engaging extension comprises a lower engaging surface forengagement with the seat base.
 3. The device as recited in claim 1wherein said seat engaging extension comprises an outer reinforced end.4. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said seat engaging extensionis linearly aligned with said base of said attachment member.
 5. Thedevice as recited in claim 1 wherein said seat engaging extension issubstantially parallel to said base of said attachment member.
 6. Thedevice as recited in claim 1 wherein each of said at least two side wallpanels of said attachment member comprises at least one inwardlydisposed angular bend toward said receiving area.
 7. The device asrecited in claim 1 wherein each of said at least two side wall panels ofsaid attachment member comprise an outer engaging arms for engagementwith the seat frame.
 8. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein saidattachment member comprises an at least partially resilientconstruction.
 9. The device as recited in claim 8 wherein saidattachment member comprises an at least partially flexible construction.